Job Details

8635 - Sr. Assistant County Counsel (County Counsel)

Salary

$120,363.78 - $153,620.90 Annually

Location

Medford, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

8635

Department

Counsel

Division

County Counsel

Opening Date

05/01/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

* Description

* Benefits

* Questions

Job Description

TWO OPENINGS

Senior Assistant County Counsel (Litigation)

Annual Salary: $120,363 - $153,620 DOE/DOQ

Assistant County Counsel (General)

Annual Salary: $105,858 - $135,139 DOE/DOQ

Jackson County

Medford, Oregon

Jackson County, Oregon is seeking up to two dedicated attorneys to join its office in Medford, Oregon. A Senior Assistant County Counsel is needed with a specialization in litigation, and a second position at either the Senior Assistant County Counsel or the Assistant County Counsel level. These pivotal roles will provide essential legal guidance and advocacy that support the County's departments, elected officials, and long-term organizational success. The Senior Assistant County Counsel brings seasoned courtroom experience, managing complex civil litigation to safeguard the County's interests in cases touching on everything from public health to planning and land use, law enforcement and emergency management. The Assistant County Counsel advises client departments in legal matters, contributing to County-wide projects and initiatives to serve the community, helping ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, provides litigation services, and serves as a trusted advisor. Client departments are assigned based in part on areas of interest and prior experience, which means a great opportunity for the right candidate to both pursue a passion in public law and learn new areas of expertise. Both attorneys engage and collaborate directly with clients, providing practical, solutions-focused counsel that advances the County's mission. This is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of Oregon's most dynamic and forward-moving counties. Be part of a collegial environment where professionalism, collaboration, and public service are highly valued. Apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here:

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Senior Assistant County Counsel

Annual Salary: $120,363 - $153,620 DOE/DOQ

Assistant County Counsel

Annual Salary: $105,858 - $135,139 DOE/DOQ

PLUS Jackson County offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY

Strong candidates will be interviewed as they apply. For consideration, apply immediately by submitting a resume (required) and cover letter (encouraged) at:

Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences

* This position includes a market adjustment to the salary. All County market adjustments are considered temporary and may be increased, decreased, or eliminated at any time depending on a change in triggering market event(s).

* Submit transcripts, if using college education to meet educational minimum requirements.

* Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.

* Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. Click on the following link to review Jackson County's requirements for an acceptable driving record.

* Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review Jackson County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

* The is a non-represented position. (Management/Confidential)

Job Duties and Requirements

I. Position Summary

Under the direction of the County Counsel, represents the County and provides legal counsel to various County departments, agencies and officials requiring knowledge of various areas of law including, but not limited to, municipal and Oregon public entity law, contracts and procurement, litigation, tort, labor and employment, land use, tax assessment and collection, construction, and real property law.

II. Supervision Exercised

May act as a supervisor or lead to various classifications.

III. Examples of Essential Position Duties

* Provides legal counsel and representation regarding contracts and procurement, tort and civil rights liability, general civil law, and compliance with applicable federal state and local laws.

* Reviews documents for assigned County departments; assists in developing contracts, ordinances, real property transactions, and other legal documentation for purposes of ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and protecting the interests of the County.

* Represents the County in litigation, appeals, and administrative proceedings. Collaborates with Department Directors/Elected Officials, where appropriate, regarding strategy.

* Attends various and public meetings and hearings as assigned; provides legal advice as requested and assures meetings and hearings are in compliance with applicable laws.

* Performs in compliance with the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct and Oregon State Bar directives.

* May provide lead direction to staff and assign and review the work of department support staff.

* Adheres to County and departmental policies and procedures as well as safe work practices, policies and procedures.

* Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other staff, public officials, the general public and representatives of other agencies.

* Attends and participates in required trainings.

* Has regular and reliable attendance.

* Working irregular hours is required.

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of federal, state and local law applicable to County operations.

* Knowledge and ability concerning representation of government entities in litigation, appellate and administrative proceedings.

* Knowledge and ability to perform both thorough and effective legal research and analysis.

* Ability to analyze complex legal issues and formulate potential solutions regarding the same orally and in writing.

* Ability to draft ordinances, contracts and various legal instruments concerning the operations and interests of the County. Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with other staff, public officials, the general public, and representatives of other agencies.

* Ability to work by self on various matters as well as on a team within the Counsel office.

* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

V. Minimum Requirements (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

* A Juris Doctor or other terminal degree (e.g. LL.B) from accredited law school AND five years of relevant or transferrable experience. At least three years of experience in the public sector is highly preferred.

Licenses, Certificates and Other

Must be currently licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon OR must obtain a license to practice law in the State of Oregon through examination within three months of hire date OR must obtain a license to practice law in the State of Oregon through reciprocity within six months of hire date. Must be willing to seek admission to the U.S. District Court of Oregon and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Must have a valid Oregon State Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions)

Typically requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Occasionally requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. Minimum physical effort is required. Requires driving and travel.

Working Environments

Work is performed both in the office and in the field with exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic, and hazardous conditions at work sites. May include exposure to disruptive people.

VI. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management's decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JACKSON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Women, minorities and the disabled are encouraged to apply. Upon request, special accommodations and/or assistance will be gladly provided for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory impairments. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at www.jacksoncountyor.gov or call 541-###-####.

Jackson County Benefit Summary - Management/Confidential Employee

Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.

This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County management/confidential employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, and/or Jackson County policies, the applicable documents will govern.

Insurance

Health Insurance - As of July 1, 2025 Regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost to the employee of $22.82 per paycheck ($49.45 per month) toward the monthly composite premium. Regular full-time employees may not waive coverage. Regular part-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their full-time equivalent (FTE), or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.

Hinge - Provided through Regence, Hinge is an online virtual Physical Therapy benefit for all employees and their dependents enrolled in the health insurance plan. This online virtual service will work around your schedule in the comfort of your own home, and there is no cost to the employee.

Wellness Center by CareATC - In addition to health insurance, certain primary care medical services, lab services, and prescription medications are offered at no out-of-pocket cost for the employee who is enrolled in the County's health insurance plan, and their eligible dependents at the wellness center.

Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), the benefit is equal to two times the employee's annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, to a maximum of $500,000. Insurance in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit.

Long-term Disability - Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month following date of hire. The benefits are payable after a waiting period of 60 days at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of base salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional AD&D coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of plan and coverage amounts.

Voluntary Life Insurance - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional Life Insurance coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of coverage amounts.

Leaves

Vacation - Regular full-time employees earn vacation leave at a rate of 17 to 33 days annually depending upon years of County service and position band. Regular part-time employees accrue vacation leave on a prorated basis. Employees can carry forward up to three times the annual vacation accrual (prorated for part-time employees). Vacation leave cannot be used during the first six full months of regular employment. Twice per fiscal year, employees may request to be paid for vacation accruals, provided specific requirements are met.

Years of Service Annual Vacation Accrual

Pay Band 12 - 20

0 to 5 yrs 21 Days (6.47hrs/pp)

Over 5 - 10 yrs 24 days (7.39hrs/pp)

Over 10 - 15yrs 27 days (8.31hrs/pp)

Over 15 - 20yrs 30 days (9.24hrs/pp)

Over 20yrs 33 days (10.16hrs/pp)

Sick Leave - Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period (12 days annually), which starts to accrue during the first pay period and may accrue without limit. Regular part-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Accrued sick leave may be used as soon as it is accrued.

Holidays - Regular full-time employees receive ten paid holidays annually (prorated for regular part-time employees), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on the previous Friday and holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.

Holidays for Sheriff Management Employees Only - In lieu of holidays, each regular full-time employee receives, on July 1, a block of 13 days (104 hours), and they are prorated for regular part-time employees. Employees hired after July 1 will have holiday hours assigned on a prorated basis. Unused holiday hours at the end of the fiscal year cannot be carried forward. Holiday hours remaining at the end of the fiscal year will be paid to the employee at the employee's regular rate of pay.

Personal Leave - Each fiscal year on July 1, full-time regular employees (except Sheriff management employees) receive one personal leave day (eight hours; prorated for regular part-time employees based on the position's FTE as of July 1). Employees must be employed on July 1 to be eligible to receive the personal leave day. Personal leave is used in 15 minute increments. If it is not used, it does not roll over to the following year.

Retirement

Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System - Jackson County participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). PERS has Tier One, Tier Two, and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) pension programs, as well as the Individual Account Program (IAP). Tier One covers members hired before January 1, 1996; Tier Two covers members hired between January 1, 1996 and August 28, 2003; and OPSRP covers members hired on or after August 29, 2003.

IAP contains all member contributions (6% of covered salary, currently County-paid) made on or after January 1, 2004. The legislature created the IAP in 2003 to provide an individual account-based retirement benefit for new workers hired on or after August 29, 2003, and for Tier One/Tier Two members active on or after January 1, 2004. The IAP benefit is in addition to the member's other retirement program benefit (i.e., Tier One, Tier Two, or OPSRP). Employees are automatically vested in their IAP account when their account is established.

IAP Redirect - Per Senate Bill 1049 (2019) contributions remain at the rate of 6% however, a portion of that 6% is redirected to the Employee Pension Stability Account (EPSA). 2.5% is redirected for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and 0.75% is redirected for OPSRP members. The rest of the county-paid contribution is directed to the employee's IAP. Employee's may choose to make voluntary contributions for the amount of the redirect through the Oregon PERS Online Member Services (OMS) at www.oregon.gov/PERS.

Salary Limit - Beginning January 1, 2020, SB 1049 changed the definition of "salary" for PERS purposes and created new limitations on annual and monthly "subject salaries." Your salary is used to determined member Individual Account Program (IAP) contributions, employer contributions to fund the pension program, and the final average salary used in calculating retirement benefits under formula methods. The 2022 limit $210,582 per year. The limit is prorated when members work fewer than 12 months in a calendar year.

OPSRP is designed to provide approximately 45 percent of an employee's final average salary at retirement (for a general service member with a 30-year career or a police and firefighter member with a 25-year career).

OPSRP General Service: Unless employees are in a police or firefighter position, they are considered a general service member. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:

1.5 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for general service members is age 65, or age 58 with 30 years of retirement credit.

General Service Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate benefits using any number of years and any final average salary)

Final average salary: $45,000

Retirement credit: 30 years as an OPSRP member

30 (years) x 1.5 percent = 45 percent

45 percent x $3,750 (final average monthly salary) = $1,687.50

Single Life Option monthly benefit = $1,687.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)

OPSRP Police and Firefighter (P&F): To be classified as a P&F member at retirement, employees must have been employed continuously as a P&F member for at least five years immediately preceding their retirement. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:

1.8 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for P&F members is age 60, or age 53 with 25 years of retirement credit.

P&F Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate their benefit using any number of years and any final average salary)

Final average salary: $45,000

Retirement credit: 25 years as an OPSRP member

25 (years) x 1.8 percent = 45 percent

45 percent of $3,750 (final average monthly salary) = $1,687.50

Single Life Option monthly benefit = $1,687.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)

Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program - Jackson County offers regular employees the option to enroll in IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans. The employee defers compensation through voluntary payroll deductions into this supplemental retirement plan. The 457 plan is a separate retirement plan from PERS.

Other Benefits

Voluntary Direct Deposit - An employee may choose to have their payroll check automatically deposited into their bank account. Employees can choose up to four accounts to receive direct deposit funds. Most banks allow participation of this program.

Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Section 125 Plan - The FSA is a tax-free regular employee-funded account. Regular employees may choose to participate in pre-tax health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket unreimbursed eligible health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and qualified transportation expenses, in order to have "before-tax" dollars deducted from their paychecks.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - The County has a fully-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer. The EAP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist you and your eligible family members with personal problems, large or small. The EAP provides confidential services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and life. The EAP is offered to regular employees, their dependents, and any household members. Services include up to four face-to-face counseling sessions per year, 24/7/365 access to crisis counselors, and convenient access to on-line consultations with licensed counselors.

01

Are you currently licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon, eligible to obtain your license to practice law in the State of Oregon through examination within three months of appointment, or eligible to obtain your license to practice law in the State of Oregon through reciprocity within six months of appoint?

* Yes

* No

Required Question